First American in Space and the Creation of “A-OK”
May 5, 1961
The creation of the phrase “A-OK” is generally attributed to Alan Shepard during this flight; however, it was actually created by a NASA public relations officer who misquoted Shepard.
When asked what he thought about as he sat atop the rocket waiting for liftoff, Shepard replied, “The fact that every part of this ship was built by the lowest bidder.”